Clawson's music store

Clawson Music celebrates 50 years in business this year. The three-generation family-operated business moved to this location on South Padre Island Drive in 1974. photos by Mike Baird/Caller-Times$RETURN$$RETURN$

Bobby Clawson, 27, strums a guitar his grandfather made from a toilet seat about 40 years ago. The electric guitar is a novelty item hanging behind the counter.

George Gongora/Special to Caller-Times Barbara Clawson and her husband, Bob Clawson, discuss work in her office.

George Gongora/Special to Caller-Times Clawson Music crew are Robert “Bobby” Clawson III (from left); his son, Robert “Bo” Clawson IV; Robert “Bubba” Clawson Jr.; Barbara Clawson and Robert “Bob” Clawson Sr.

Contributed image This is an advertisement from the late 1960s when Barbara Clawson and the Nashville Beats appeared at a local dance club.

Mike Baird/Caller-Times This is one of few advertising items promoting a live appearance by Barbara Clawson at Memorial Coliseum for a show featuring Roy Clark, co-host of “Hee Haw,” a popular late-1960s country music comedy show. Many of Clawson’s memory items were destroyed in 1970 by Hurricane Celia. Clawson appeared in one episode of “Hee Haw,” filmed during one of her performances at Grand Ole Opry.